University Football League
- Gulu University 1-0 Lira University
Lira University had a tough start to life in the University Football League, falling 1-0 to Gulu University in their maiden appearance on a chilly Wednesday evening in Gulu.
The decisive moment came in the 27th minute when a defensive lapse gifted Nyeko Rogers the ball. He made no mistake, calmly finishing to ignite wild celebrations among the home fans.
The newcomers looked nervous early on, but after the break they grew more composed, forcing Gulu onto the back foot. Their best chance came in the 84th minute from a free kick swung into the box.
Okello Solomon rose highest to head home, only for the assistant referee’s flag to cancel it out for offside, a call that sparked protests from the Lira bench before skipper Okeng Emmanuel restored calm.
Despite the loss, Lira’s spirited display suggested they could trouble bigger names as the season unfolds.
For Gulu, it was the perfect start in their push to reach the knockout stages for the first time.
The result put them top of Group D with three points, in a pool that also includes last season’s runners-up St. Lawrence University, two-time champions Makerere University Business School (MUBS), and Muni University.
Muni’s clash with MUBS was postponed following the death of their sports tutor.
League action continues Thursday as Kumi University hosts inaugural champions Makerere University.
